Schools in a fix as to how to allot streams to students
Chennai: The results are out but the real test for schools is just getting started. With over one lakh students scoring centum in Science and 7,96,466 crossing the 60 per cent mark in aggregate score, schools are struggling to devise a method to accommodate the record breaking number of students who have secured centum in the Science stream. With the queue for the number of students opting for science in class XI nearly double the seats available, some schools are contemplating holding an entrance examination for admission in class XI. Others are also looking at the option of a draw of lots.
Last year, schools had 450 as cut-off mark for Computer Science, Biology and Commerce but this year a student who scores 480 and above will get Biology and Commerce, 470 would be considered for computer science. K. Chandrasekar, one of the parents seen waiting in a private school, said his son had scored 465 out of 500 marks and aspired to join computer science stream in class XI. “But school authorities have informed me that it would not be possible as they are several other students who have secured more marks; so they could offer commerce instead,” he said.
Schools too say that as numerous students scored top marks they are in a fix as to how to allot streams to students. In the past, schools took students’ mark as yardstick and admitted them based on their rank. Mr V. Santhanam, secretary of S.C.S Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chromepet, pointed out that of 92 students who took class X exam from their school about 60 per cent scored 490 marks. “This year’s admission for class XI has turned out to be a challenge for us. Most of the students want science group in class XI. As we have limited number of seats, we are now thinking whether we can conduct entrance exam to select students,” he said.
Going a step further, Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Selaiyur, which has one of the state first rank holders, plans to draw lots to select students for the science stream.“We have planned a meeting with teachers and parents tomorrow to decide whether we can go with lots or conduct an entrance examination,” Dr N.Vijayan, Correspondent of the school said.
